A qualitative study of experiencing cauda equina syndrome and its aftercare in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Study design

Qualitative, semi structured interviews.

Objectives

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a neurological emergency that can cause permanent disability to the lower limbs, including pain, weakness, and bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. There is little evidence on the lived experience of patients with different severities of CES. This study sought to address this.

Setting

The interviews were conducted with persons who had experienced CES and been operated on for this condition in the UK.

Methods

A sampling frame was used on a pre-existing database to select a maximum variation sample. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis supported by NVivo.

Results

Data saturation was achieved with 22 patients (12 female, 10 male)

SUBMITTER: Srikandarajah N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12316588 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature